HOMETokyo StationChristmas Cake Craze in Japan: The Most Amazing Winter Treats of 2016!

Christmas Cake Craze in Japan: The Most Amazing Winter Treats of 2016!

Update:

When the end of the year is near, Japan’s cities shine and shimmer in the classic colors of Christmas – and there’s one thing about a classic Japanese Christmas celebration that must not be missed: the Christmas cake.

Having its roots in pastry shops selling specially made and decorated cakes for Christmas decades ago, this trend has become a fixed tradition of a genuine Japanese Christmas. Originally, those cakes were strawberry shortcakes and chocolate cakes, decorated with Santa Claus and his reindeer made from marzipan. Recently, however, the Christmas cake has become more of a genre than defining one specific type of cake, and particularly colorful macarons have been among the top sellers around New Year’s. With the rise of social networking, a lot of people have taken to showcasing the most creative and amazing cakes off to their friends and family – which, of course, lead to a Christmas cake craze all around Japan.

2016 brings us some especially intriguing pastry creations, carefully made and not just amazing to look at but also incredibly delicious. While reservations don’t start before November, it’s always a good idea to have an idea about what kind of treats await on Japanese shelves this year – let’s take a look!

The Eye-Catcher: Petit Gateau in Leopard Print!

Available in four different, vivid colors, this petit gateau set is called “Quatre de la Panthère”.
The pink one is strawberry flavored, the green one features matcha, of course, the orange cake stands for mandarin orange, and the white one is made with vanilla-flavored mascarpone. These little delights are so delightful to look at, they seem almost too precious to be eaten. Almost.

■ Reservation Method: order possible from the official website. Reservations are accepted between October 15th (Sat) and December 9th (Fri).

Chocolate-Glazed Goodness: The Impressive Buche de Noël Chocolat

The gentle caramel aroma, the creamy milk chocolate glaze, and the gentle mandarin orange cream inside of this pastry creation all invoke the spirit of France’s Valrhona, a place famous for its amazing chocolate. Finished with delicate chocolate powder, the Buche de Noël Chocolat is among the most elegant of Christmas cakes. Moist and flavorful, a forkful of this exquisite treat will take you on a journey of all five senses!

■ Reservation Method: order possible from the official website. Reservations are accepted between October 15th (Sat) and December 9th (Fri).

The Spirit of Japan, Stored in an Edible Treasure Box

To commemorate its 88th anniversary, Meguro Gajoen created the “Wa Premium Cake” – wa referring to Japanese style, and the reservation period has already begun. Meguro Gajoen is a multi-purpose hall often used for weddings that is so gorgeous that it has been goven the nickname of “Showa Dragon Palace.” Inspired by this very nickname, the cake was created in the shape of a treasure box that is entirely edible! The treasure casket, made from chocolate, has both a top and a bottom, both filled with lovely cake delights!

The top features a chocolate temari ball with beautiful decorations – temari is a traditional Japanese handball game – as well as various macarons and tiny cake slices. Shortcake made with strawberries from the famous Kayama Farm can be found in the bottom half, more than enough to saturate all your strawberry shortcake needs! This elaborate treasure box is the perfect highlight for special occasions and an elegant Christmas celebrations.

■ Reservation Method: order possible from the official website. Reservations are accepted until December 16th (Fri).

Out of a Comic Book: The Picturesque “Kawaii” Cake

The hottest café in Harajuku, namely the KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ, has created its very own amazing Christmas cake in collaboration with Aeon, and its every bit as vivid and unique as you’d expect it to be!

The style of the famous KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ, which has become one of Harajuku’s most popular photo spots, is kept by the unique design of the cake which resembles a merry-go-round – which is precisely why it has the very fitting name of Sweets Go Round.

■ Reservation Method: order possible from the official website. Reservations are accepted until December 18th (Sun).

※Sales and reservations may vary depending on the individual store.

Christmas with Penguin: The Suica Penguin Cake, Only Available at Train Stations!

The famous Suica Penguin, mascot of the same-named IC card, turns fifteen years old on November the 18th of 2016. To commemorate this event, a special penguin cake has been created after a fusion recipe from Dalloyau’s Faubourg. The soft sponge cake is pleasantly soaked in vanilla syrup, enhanced with vanilla cream and chocolate Bavarian cream, and coated with a glossy chocolate cover.

■ Reservation Method: order possible from the official website. Reservations are accepted between November 7th (Mon) and December 19th (Mon).

Another one of these special edition cakes is the Suica Card one, authentically replicating the original IC card design. This one is made in collaboration with Caraffel and available in two types, both typical for the famous company: bitter chocolate base and gianduja chocolate base. This ingenuous creation is the perfect surprise cake for each and every Christmas party!

■ Reservation Method: order possible from the official website. Reservations are accepted between November 7th (Mon) and December 19th (Mon).

Great for a beautiful snapshot, a feast for the eyes, and amazing in taste – this year’s unique Christmas cakes really have a lot to offer and are sure to enhance every Christmas party, be it with friends, family, or on a date!